Article from The Ethiopian Herald:
Diaspora Day will raise Diaspora involvement in dev’t, Director
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday stated that the first ever national Diaspora Day to be in August will not only help take the Diaspora’s involvement in their country’s development to the next level, but it will also help encourage pioneer Diaspora investors besides inspiring other members of the community to do the same.
Briefing journalists about the event, Director of Diaspora Affairs with the Ministry, Faisel Ali said that the event will help highlight that the Diaspora is a part of the country’s development potential and renaissance. “With regards to knowledge, technology transfer, investment and promoting Ethiopia’s image to the rest of the world, the Diaspora’s role is huge”, said the Director. He further added that although the Diaspora’s role in the country’s path to renaissance has been good, it should be further strengthened to yield more fruits. Faisel also remarked on the potential of the occasion in expanding Diaspora tourism.
On the occasion, Faisel also discussed the activities the government is engaged in such as mapping the Diaspora, presenting them with opportunities and improved services such as updated information, and tackling the challenges it faces in making the maximum use of the Diaspora’s potential. The Director concluded his briefing by inviting all Ethiopians from all over the world to come back and contribute their part in the development ventures of their homeland.
The five day long event, spanning August 12-16, 2015, will host various programmes ranging from exhibition and tours to various sporting events besides panel discussions.
Teferi Melese, Diaspora Information and Research Director with the Ministry for his part stated that their main aim is to involve the Diaspora engaged in the production of goods and services to participate in the exhibition programme. “We want to relay the message that its possible to do business here by displaying the products and services of pioneer Diaspora involved in manufacturing, agro-processing, agriculture, IT, education, health, hotel, tourism at the exhibitions”. To this end, he added that they are working to provide 100 to 120 display boothes at the exhibition programme.
Written BY ROBEL YOHANNES
